Roadmaster Estate Wagon V8-350 5.7L (1993)
B.
Standard metal mount antennas may be mounted on a vehicle with nonmetallic body panels by two methods. Most nonmetallic skinned
vehicles have metal frames underneath. Mounting the antenna near a metal frame section and bonding the antenna mount to the frame with a
short metal strap will provide the groundplane connection. Some antenna manufacturers offer "groundplane kits" that consist of self adhesive
metal foil that may be attached to the body panel to provide the groundplane for the antenna.
C.
Some vehicles use glass that contains a thin metallic coating for defrosting or to control solar gain. Glass mount antennas will NOT function
when mounted on this type of glass. Consult your GM dealer or owner's manual to determine if this glass is installed on your vehicle.
D.
Each vehicle model and body style reacts to radio frequency energy differently. When dealing with an unfamiliar vehicle, it is suggested that
a magnetic-mount antenna be used to check the proposed antenna location for unwanted effects on the vehicle. Antenna location is a major
factor in these effects.
3.
Antenna Cable Routing
A.
Always use a high quality coax (at least 95 % shield coverage) located away from the Engine Control Module and other electronic modules.
B.
Care should be taken to maintain as great a distance as possible between any vehicle wiring and the feedline.
4.
Antenna Tuning
A.
It is important that the antenna be tuned properly and reflected power be kept to less than 10 % (VSWR less than 2:1).
5.
Radio Wiring and Connection Locations
A.
BOTH Transceiver power lead connections should be made directly to the battery itself. On vehicles equipped with a "jump start terminal",
the positive lead may be connected to the terminal, but the negative lead should still be connected to the battery. GM approved methods of
connecting auxiliary wiring to a side terminal battery include the adapter package illustrated in Figure 2, NAPA-Belden replacement battery
bolts (part # 728198), or drilling and tapping the hex end of the original battery bolts 10-32 X 3/8" deep.
NOTE:
It is recommended that a fuse be placed in the transceiver negative lead to prevent possible transceiver damage in the event the battery to engine-block
ground lead is inadvertently disconnected.
For ONE-PIECE TRANSCEIVERS where ignition switch control is desired, a 12 Volt power contactor must be installed in the transceiver positive lead.
The contactor should be located at the vehicle battery with the coil of the contactor driven through an appropriate in-line fuse from an available
accessory circuit or ignition circuit not powered during cranking. The contactor coil must return to battery negative.
B.
Any negative lead from a handset or control unit must return to battery negative. It is preferable that the positive lead for a handset or
control unit be connected directly to the battery. It is recommended that the handset or control unit positive and negative leads be
appropriately fused separately from the transceiver positive and negative leads. If ignition switch control is desired, the handset or control
unit positive lead may be connected through an appropriate in-line fuse to an available accessory circuit or ignition circuit not powered
during cranking.
C.
If multiple transceivers or receivers are to be installed in the vehicle, power leads to the trunk or under dash should be terminated in covered
insulated bus bars. All transceivers or receivers may then have their power leads connected to the bus bars. This makes a neater installation
and reduces the number of wires running to the vehicle underhood area.
6.
Wire Routing
A.
The power leads should be brought through a grommeted hole in the front bulkhead that must be provided by the installer. For
trunk-mounted transceivers, the cables should continue on along the driver's side door sills, under the rear seat, and into the trunk through
the rear bulkhead. All attempts should be made to maintain as great a distance as possible between radio power leads and vehicle electronic
modules and wiring.
B.
If the battery is located on the passenger side, radio power leads should cross the vehicle in front of the engine.
7.
Troubleshooting
A.
Should vehicle-radio interaction develop following installation, the source of the problem should be determined prior to further operation of
the vehicle. Most interaction problems can be eliminated by following the installation guideline.
B.
If any vehicle-radio interaction problems exist after following this guideline, check current service bulletins for resolution of the customer
problem. If there is no bulletin that covers the customer problem, call your technical assistance group.
Auxiliary Electrical Equipment GM Recommended Installation
AC-Delco Side Terminal Adaptor Package 1846855, when combined with the longer battery bolt and spacer will provide the simple, tight, corrosion
resistant connection illustrated. Parts can also be purchased at car dealerships.
